May, 15 2025

 The Walkers’ new home is large and lovely. The whole downstairs is dedicated to Trevor’s gym and there is a lot of equipment. They have been busy setting that up and Trevor’s office up. Tammie has the kitchen organized and other areas of the house are getting settled but she has also been busy doing things at their old home as requested by the new buyers. Their new neighborhood has a lot of construction going on. We celebrated Tammie and Jadyn’s birthday while I was there. Trevor took us out to dinner on Jadyn’s birthday and I took them to dinner at the Italian restaurant where Trey works while he was working. We did some shopping, exploring of their new neighborhood and we attended Trey’s flag football game and church. Jadyn is doing well in Utah at her job counseling children and she is just ready to start Graduate school online from Arizona State University. Trevor and Tammie have two new little, miniature schnauzer puppies Bailee and Bentlee and they still have Pali - all females. It is a busy house. I tried to do some cleaning to help out and I bought a plant arrangement for their front door. I had a direct flight home on Monday, May 5. Tammie was not feeling well when I left and was in bed. I am sure she is exhausted.

I jumped back into my activities when I got home. It is always lovely to get to the Temple. I got my hair cut, picked up groceries and went for brunch with Cindy as a birthday gift for me. I drove Wendy to dialysis at the hospital. I also visited the plant nursery for more plants, ran errands and checked in on friends.

Then came the weekend and Ronda the Raccoon. I served in the Temple on Saturday and some time, after returning home, I went out to pot the new plants I had bought. When I lifted the lid on my yard bin to get some potting soil, I was greeted by a large raccoon hissing at me. I quickly put the lid down and went for help. Kirk came but was just leaving with Krista to go somewhere and couldn’t do much. I decided to get a ladder set up by the bin, go up the ladder so I would be a distance away, and then raise the lid with a rake. I asked Marie to come spot me. The raccoon ran, as I had hoped she would, but she went directly under my deck. Marie brought her two dogs and they successfully sniffed the raccoon out but came out from under the deck only long enough to confront the dogs before retreating to safety. I put a weight on the bin so she could not return, poured vinegar under the deck and placed a spotlight under the deck, all in an attempt to get her to leave my yard. The next day was Sunday and after I got back from church, Kirk wanted to spread cayenne pepper around my bin. He came into my yard while I was walking Kona and then ran to meet me just as I was returning and just as I was coming face to face with the raccoon, who was now sitting on the Chabot’s front porch, looking worn and weary, having relieved herself all over the step. Kirk quickly informed me that there were two babies in the bin and we realized then that this valiant mother was going nowhere no matter what deterrents we threw at her. Wildlife suggested we clear the area and allow her to retrieve her babies. We braced the bin lid open and left. I went to Cindy’s for Mother’s Day High Tea which was lovely. When I returned later the babies were thankfully gone and we are all hoping that Ronda has found a safe place for them. In talking to another neighbour, I learned that their home had recently been damaged by an animal which resulted in further interior water damage. I am sure that it was Ronda trying to find a place to nest prior to her finding my bin. I feel terrible for separating her from her babies and I am praying for her and her little ones. What an experience! We have displaced these animals from their habitat and they don’t know where to go or what to do.

Kona was groomed this week, I had my blood pressure checked by the doctor’s nurse after I took it by myself for a few days and I had the furnace and gas fellow come to check things out in that area today.  Kirk and his father in law are replacing the fence between my yard and Marie’s this weekend so I am feeding everyone dinner on Saturday. I have most of the meal made and in the freezer. Jean and Marie a going together to get a plant arrangement to thank them for all they have been doing for the three of us. They are so kind. Always a busy week.

I am blessed❤️❤️. Cindy delivered the first of my monthly flowers from all four children for Mother’s Day.

May 1, 2025

 I am in Tennessee, as I write, visiting the Walker Family. I arrived on Tuesday and Jadyn, who is also visiting from Utah, had arrived earlier. It was the 29th of April and Tammie’s birthday. I had flown to Calgary, where I got slowed down in a long line at immigration until I realized that they had a Nexus line, and then on to Nashville where Trevor picked me up. My children are always there for me and I appreciate it. 

I have been working on my taxes the last week or so with Phil and finally have them in and paid. He was wanting me to get T5 forms from TD bank and I told him I thought Tom had closed that account but just to make sure, I went to TD bank to inquire and yes, we have a significant Waterhouse USD investment there and they gave permission get the T5s and information about the account.  My name is on it too. It was a blessing that Phil inquired because it revealed this information to me and it will make a difference to my financial planning in the near future. Interestingly, Phil found out afterwards that he already had the T5 information and hadn’t needed my investigation after all but I needed it.

I received my covid shot, visited the cemetery to see how conditions were there, picked up plants from the nursery, made the VT posters with routes on for the presidency, hosted Cindy’s family for Easter dinner, Liza’s family overnight for a Temple trip and went to Cindy’s for Last supper dinner and to an Easter movie with the Hardy family. Jeff has returned to Wagner Hills and we are all praying that, that goes well. I went out after my Temple shift to take him the two bags of clothes that he left at my house. He seemed good and had enjoyed his two weeks at Jennifer. Marie and I had decided that we would replace the fence between our houses this year and Kirk, our neighbor, is insisting on ordering the sections and installing them. They are such a kind family.

Always busy, always grateful but always missing my boy.❤️❤️

April 17, 2025

 Jennifer drove down from Kamloops and picked Jeff up on Thursday, April 3. Jeff and I had gone that day to see a Sportage that Omar brought in and then to the Lexus dealership in Port Moody. I am considering at a Lexus plug in hybrid. It has been helpful to have Jeff with me for support and to talk me thru things. He is a very sweet boy and wants so badly to move forward with his life in positive ways and I am praying for his success. After they left for home, I phoned back to Kevin at Lexus to tell him to put my name on a 6-12 month wait list for the Lexus I thought was appropriate for me and I told him I would return to put money down on it. I then felt I should give the Lexus dealership in Kelowna a call as they kept popping up when I checked Lexus cars online. I asked the girl if they had any inventory in what I wanted and she said they could get me one the beginning of June. That was perfect for me as that is when I would be preparing to turn the Tesla in. She said they distribute cars mainly for people in their area but with Liza’s address I could get on.  I put money down and it was settled in about ten minutes. I even had a choice of colors. I felt like I had been directed and I felt very blessed. This is a huge decision that has been weighing heavily on me and it was a big relief to have it finalized. Now I must get the Tesla ready for it’s return to the company.

We experienced a wonderful General Conference and I felt like I needed that slow down to listen to our leaders in these tumultuous times. I pray for my family and for the world and I pray for me. Cindy’s family had me over for dinner on Sunday after the last session.

Jean Ward and my friend Ruth Bohemer served as missionary companions in Hong Kong years ago and Jean wanted to get together. When Sabina heard Jean was coming out here, she asked to come visit me so I had them all over for an afternoon tea at my house. I served apple cider and treats. We had a nice time and it was good to reconnect with Sabina. Jean and Ruth are now reconnected as well and can set up other times to get together.

Later that week I had Camille and her family come to stay with me and visit the Temple with their ward. I made bran muffins and hamburger soup before their arrival. They came Thursday evening and left Saturday afternoon. Their ward and our stake provided child care for the three children at Temple View Chapel while they attended the Temple, so that was nice for them and helped me out as well. They went to visit friends Friday evening. I went that day to take soup and muffins to Cindy’s family.

I seem to have visitors coming and going on a regular basis and that is good and one reason that I keep my house. It does, however, mean that I am frequently changing beds and cleaning guest bedrooms and bathrooms. That is probably good for me too. I am happy to share and to help if I can.

Cindy seems to be doing well with her recovery from her hysterectomy surgery and she trying not to rush it or do too much. I am hoping she feels much better, with enhanced capacities having put these struggles behind her.

Aksel and Hansen have both experienced their first birthdays and Max wrote his final CPA exam. I am proud of my grandchildren as they and their families move forward in positive ways.

The days have been warm this week and I am trying to get the yard taken care of and the back deck cleaned.

Life goes on and the world continues to turn. I am blessed.

April 2, 2025

 It is Kona’s 3rd Birthday today. She was four months old when she came to me. She has been a companion and a help to me during the most difficult time of my life. Her name, in Hawaiian, means “Lady” and  “safe harbour”. She is a lady and she has provided me with a safe harbour. She has kept me moving and she has not allowed me to be still for very long or to feel sorry for myself.

I have Jeff with me this week. He had to leave Wagner Hills because he was smoking and he has been at another facility which he didn’t like and he left. Cindy and Paul picked him up from a hotel in Abbotsford on Sunday and I have had him here ever since. He is trying to get back into Wagner Hills again but it will be at least be two more weeks. Jennifer is driving down from Kamloops tomorrow and he will stay with them until he can come back. He would like to upgrade his first aid ticket while he has time or do something like that. He is a sweet boy but has just struggled with these concerns. I pray for him.

I had Miss Sayde last week as she was on spring break and her parents were both working. Keaton is on his school exchange in France and that would have left Sayde alone. We had a quiet but good time. Cindy and Paul drove to Lethbridge to visit Jack and Sam was here on his own. He spent some time with us and he came over to “hang out” with Sayde when  I was in the Temple on Tuesday and Saturday. I tried to get Sayde out for a walk each day. Liza and Brendon drove down last weekend to pick her up.

I did makeup Temple Prep lessons for two YSA students on Sunday and substituted for Sam Moore teaching primary as well. Lahina and I went to visit Sam during spring break when she took some time off to be with her son Weston. I have had my stove oven panel repaired, Kona groomed, attended a Muir dinner in WhiteRock with Cindy, went to Gayleen McLough’s funeral in Burnaby and shopped for new a new car with Jeff. I made dinner for the Hardy family last night as Cindy had a hysterectomy on Monday and just arrived from the hospital yesterday. She is doing well but her shoulder has been in pain as a result of the gas pumped into her during surgery that can lodge in your shoulder. I trained two new LOWs on the Thursday evening shift. It has been a full couple of weeks.

I am blessed.

March 12, 2025

 It is my 75th birthday in a few days. I have no idea how I arrived at this point in my life so quickly. I have had a very blessed life and though I hurt from loss and grief, I have nothing to complain about. I was raised in a wonderful family, with a heritage to be grateful for and proud of. I wisely married a remarkable man who has loved me through life, cared for me and truly raised me up to be more than I could be without him and I adore him.  I have been blessed with wonderful children and grandchildren who continue to both challenge me and bring me joy. I have had outstanding friends and people in my life and opportunities to grow, serve, learn  and experience. I have lived in a beautiful and free land under favourable circumstances. I have had the Savior and His gospel in my life every step of the way. How blessed am I!

Now, I have also had challenges - some big and some small. I pray for abilities to care for my needs, my home and my affairs and I pray for my home and belongings but I have had a few concerns lately. My fridge door spring broke, my garage door spring broke, my oven is not working and I have a flat tire with a nail in it.The garage door is repaired, the Tesla roadside service is coming tomorrow and I am still sorting my fridge and oven problems. I had two lesions removed from my face and that cost a few hundred as it is considered to be cosmetic. Everyday has its challenges and costs.

Our niece Annie is coming for the weekend to attend her daughter Reece’s basketball tournament at UBC. Liza called and is bringing Sayde to stay with me next week as it is spring break and Keaton is going on exchange to France and she and Brendon are busy working. Cindy and Paul are going to Lethbridge to visit Jack and Sam may remain home, so I will have him nearby too.

The challenges in our world continue with Trump trying to bring down Canada with trade wars so he can annex our country - not a joke. We are all scratching our heads as are all free nations of the world. He seems to be connecting himself to Putin and Russia. Liza asked me why the church leaders are not hoisting the Title of Liberty and rallying us to fight. As I drove to the YSA building on Sunday to teach my last Temple Prep Lesson, I passed by the Temple and looked up at Moroni. He is not the first Captain Moroni in the Book of Mormon who hoisted the Title of Liberty, but he is the second, also a warrior and great leader but known best as the final contributor to the gold plates and the one that protected them with his life for decades before burying them and then finally turning them over to Joseph for translation. A banner has been in fact been raised up as the Book of Mormon goes forth and Temples are spreading throughout the world providing insight and ordinances that teach us of Him and His great atoning love. My mother always said that love is the solution to all problems and the Savior is the personification of love. He is the Standard of Liberty, the Standard of Truth, the Standard of Freedom and Right, the Standard of Love. The Standard has been raised up in these days and He was raised up long ago. We need to look to Him and rally to the Standard of Righteousness and Love. He is the solution.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Mom’s favourite)

February 27, 2025

 I am up at Liza’s writing this. They are all at work or school and Kona and I are here alone trying to get things done. I cleaned and packed on Monday and Cindy drove us to the airport for an evening flight to Kelowna. Liza met me at the airport. I love my children and I am always grateful that they get me where I need to be and are there to gather me up when I arrive.  Kona managed not too badly. Flying is not her favorite but she gets the routine now. It is about her fifth flight. I am home during the day here and I try to get things done for them, walk the dog and work at my own things. President Leavitt called on Tuesday to see if I wanted a helicopter ride up here to attend Ron Burnham’s funeral. I had forgotten about the funeral but I am already here and the Rempels have kindly offered to drive me to Vernon. I had not anticipated being here for Sunday so I did not bring a dress. I ordered a skirt, tights and ankle boots from Amazon. You do what you have to do. They are suppose to arrive today. I am here for Sayde’s play on Saturday. I also do some driving for Sayde, to classes and home from doctor’s etc. I had thought Brendon and Keaton were driving home with me on Saturday but the return to Vancouver options are still up in the air at the moment.

This is my list of doings during the week prior to my Kelowna trip. I have still been teaching the YSA Temple Prep classes. I have one more class with this group, ,provided I get home for this upcoming Sunday lesson. I helped with the sealing of Gail and Ken Bunnage last week and it was special as they served with us in the Temple and I consider them dear friends. I also helped with a live endowment on Saturday. The Temple is now closed for a two week maintenance. I have been renewing my Nexus and driver’s license. Both were needing renewal before my birthday. Cindy helped me drive Wendy MacKinley to the Surrey Memorial hospital last Thursday, where she receives her kidney dialysis treatment three times a week. Mary Harvey is waiting to start her chemotherapy treatments. So much going on with my friends. The Chinese families brought some food to put in Jean’s home before her arrival back. I let them in. I got the dog bathed, my haircut and flowers ordered and picked up for Jean. She finally got home Saturday afternoon and had some of us for lunch Sunday to help share a meal with the food she had received. I am glad she is finally home. 

I am hoping my ordered clothes work for my needs as I attend the funeral.  I hope I find my way to Sayde’s after school activity and I hope we settle on a safe option for our trip back to Vancouver this weekend. I hope the world came establish peace and maintain a spirit of kindness for one another. Mom always said LOVE is the solution for everything and it is!! 

February 14, 2025

 Happy Valentine’s Day! I love my loves here on earth and I love my heavenly Valentine. Oh, how I miss him but I am sincerely and deeply grateful that he is still mine and I am still his.

The world is in turmoil with the election of Donald Trump. He has the Canadians in an uproar with the threat of 25% tariffs and then seriously suggesting we become the 51st state. He wants to take over Greenland, the Panama and Gaza, removing Palestinians and building a resort area. Leaders around the world are speaking up and Canadians are rallying in pride of country. We are buying Canadian products and cancelling holidays to the USA. We have been their best neighbors, biggest trading partners and their largest numbers of tourists. We have fought wars with them, opened our doors to them in times of need such as 911 and been there for them when wildfires have threatened their safety. I feel badly that many Americans don’t know us as a country or understand the relationship we have had with them. We are quiet and often unpretentious and many Americans have not thought much of us or thought about us at all. We are significant and we are of value. I feel that Trump has made a plan to create initial unrest and destabilize the world to get our attention. I hope we can act with dignity, think with clarity and feel compassion for one another. I am grateful that we have a King of Kings, who has his eye on all of us and who will come again and who will reign in righteous. In this there is safety and peace in a world where there seems to be neither peace nor safety. 

We have snow and though roads have been cleared, I have stayed home a little more and got a few things done that have needed doing. I have cleaned and worked on my business affairs trying to get and keep things in order. I have taught the first Temple Prep class for the YSA. Sam is in my class. We had a special, unscheduled Stake Conference and Elder Wanda was our visiting General Authority. I have gone to the Hardy’s to celebrate Paul’s birthday and I am trying to plan a March visit to Kelowna and a later spring visit to Nashville. Trevor and Tammie are just moving into their new home. I sent Zach’s money to him and they were able to purchase their first home. Jean will be home the end of the month and I let Kirk into her garage to get her car running. I need to get other things prepared before her return as well.

Despite the turmoil outside, I do feel peace and confidence that all will be well.❤️❤️🇨🇦